{"product_id":"banjo-catfish","title":"Banjo Catfish – Peaceful Nocturnal Bottom Dweller","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Banjo Catfish is a unique and fascinating freshwater catfish known for its flattened body shape, peaceful nature, and incredible natural camouflage. Named for its banjo-like appearance, this bottom-dwelling species blends into sand, fine gravel, leaf litter, and natural aquarium decor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBanjo Catfish are calm, shy, and mostly nocturnal. They often remain still during the day and become more active at night or during feeding time. This makes them a great choice for aquarists who enjoy natural, low-activity fish with interesting behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnique flattened body with excellent camouflage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful nocturnal bottom dweller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreat for calm freshwater community aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrefers soft substrate and hiding places\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow-aggression, low-activity species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent choice for natural and biotope-style tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Banjo Catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful and shy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActivity Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low \/ nocturnal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 gallons or larger recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72–80°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sinking pellets, wafers, frozen foods, and meaty prepared foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose a Banjo Catfish?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBanjo Catfish are ideal for aquarists who want something unusual, peaceful, and naturally camouflaged. Instead of constantly swimming in the open, they spend much of their time resting on or slightly buried in the substrate, waiting for food and blending into their surroundings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is best for hobbyists who appreciate subtle, natural behavior rather than highly active display fish. In the right setup, Banjo Catfish can be hardy, peaceful, and rewarding to observe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal Tank Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBanjo Catfish do best in aquariums with sand or very fine gravel, as soft substrate allows more natural behavior and helps protect their underside. Driftwood, caves, leaf litter, plants, and shaded areas help them feel secure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse gentle to moderate filtration and avoid overly bright lighting. A calm, stable aquarium with peaceful tankmates is best for long-term health and comfort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatible Tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRasboras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorydoras catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful dwarf cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall to medium peaceful community fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther calm bottom dwellers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTankmates to Avoid\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAggressive cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge predatory fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOverly boisterous tankmates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFish that may outcompete them for food\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFin nippers or aggressive bottom dwellers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Feeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBanjo Catfish are bottom feeders that should be offered sinking foods after lights dim or when other fish are less active. Good options include sinking pellets, bottom feeder wafers, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and other small meaty foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause they are shy and nocturnal, make sure food reaches the bottom and that faster fish are not eating everything before the Banjo Catfish has a chance to feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse sand or fine substrate whenever possible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide driftwood, caves, plants, or leaf litter for cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep lighting subdued or provide shaded areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed sinking foods near evening or after lights dim\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid aggressive or highly active tankmates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain stable water quality with regular maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy doesn’t my Banjo Catfish move much?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is normal. Banjo Catfish are nocturnal and often remain still during the day to blend into their surroundings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Banjo Catfish good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, they can be a good choice for beginners who provide soft substrate, peaceful tankmates, and stable water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Banjo Catfish need sand?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSand or fine substrate is highly recommended because it helps prevent injury and allows more natural resting and hiding behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill I see my Banjo Catfish often?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsually not during the day. Banjo Catfish are shy and secretive, so they are most often seen at night or during feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do Banjo Catfish eat?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey eat sinking pellets, wafers, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and other small meaty foods that reach the bottom of the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Banjo Catfish aggressive?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. They are peaceful and shy, making them suitable for calm community aquariums with appropriate tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these fish available for shipping?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBanjo Catfish are peaceful nocturnal bottom dwellers for natural freshwater aquariums, calm community tanks, and aquarists who enjoy unique catfish behavior. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop freshwater fish, catfish, aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, substrate, driftwood, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53101825097941,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/Banjo_Catfish_5-b_1200x1200_0cccd710-9f4f-4711-bf71-8d6334659835.webp?v=1770474726","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/banjo-catfish","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}